Phish.net

John Lennon's "Instant Karma!" was indeed just that. Recorded the same day it was written and released just 10 days later, the karma received was reaching #3 on the charts, and far more importantly, a permanent place in the hearts of many a music lover.



While Lennon had a "just add water" approach to this song, Phish let their cover simmer. Vida Blue played this in their first show in 2001 and kept it in heavy rotation through Vida Blue's last performances to date in 2004. It was enough of a fan favorite to get the role of being the song out of "Auld Lang Syne" in Vida Blue's only New Year's Eve show on 12/31/01.



Page then left the song on the back burner. The ingredients needed time to meld, but finally coalesced during the second set of 6/12/10 at the Blossom Music Center. Fortunately the meal was worth the wait.



Like Vida Blue's version, Phish stuck close to the original. It's hard to imagine how they could really improve on it. The chorus is filled with an infectious joy that no one can resist. For five minutes it's true. We can indeed all shine on. On and on and on and on.

(Lennon)
© Lenono Music (BMI)

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you right on the head
You better get yourself together
Pretty soon you're gonna be dead

What in the world you thinking of
Laughing in the face of love
What on earth you tryin' to do
It's up to you, yeah you

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna look you right in the face
Better get yourself together darlin'
Join the human race

How in the world you gonna see
Laughin' at fools like me
Who in the hell do you think you are
A super star
Well, right you are

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Everyone come on

Instant Karma's gonna get you
Gonna knock you off your feet
Better recognize your brothers
Everyone you meet
Why in the world are we here
Surely not to live in pain and fear
Why on earth are you there
When you're everywhere
Come and get your share

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Come on and on and on on on
Yeah yeah, alright, uh huh, ah

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
On and on and on on and on

Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Well we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun
Yeah we all shine on
Like the moon and the stars and the sun